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Homemade Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken photo

Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken

This Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken is bursting with flavor! Enjoy tender, juicy chicken infused with smoky, spicy jerk seasoning for a taste of the Caribbean.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 4 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup liquid aminos or soy sauce
  • 2 habanero peppers (omit for mild chicken)
  • 1 inch piece ginger peeled and grated
  • 4 stalks green onion chopped
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • Cutting Board and Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl for marinating

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Marinade - In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh lime juice, liquid aminos, habanero peppers, grated ginger, chopped green onions, maple syrup, allspice, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Step 2: Marinate the Chicken - Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Sauté the Chicken - Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a splash of oil and, once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Deglaze the Pot - With the pot still on sauté mode, pour a little water or broth to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. This step is crucial for preventing the burn notice during pressure cooking.
  5. Step 5: Pressure Cook - Return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up, and pour any remaining marinade over the top. Close the lid, seal the valve, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Natural Release - Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before doing a quick release for any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid.
  7. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy - Remove the chicken from the pot and serve it over rice, with fresh vegetables, or in a wrap. Drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the top for extra flavor. Enjoy your flavorful Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken!

Notes

  • Marinate overnight for enhanced flavor.
  • Boneless chicken can be used for quicker cooking.
  • Adjust the number of habanero peppers for desired spice level.